A tainted reputation can create a self-confirming social reality for victims

Evidence

Although verbal abuse has few immediate tangible effects, its psychological and social effects can be devastating. Destroyed structures can be rebuilt and physical wounds heal, but destroying people’s sense of self-worth and social reputation results in psychic wounds that endure. Moreover, such wounds can be exacerbated or even extended by the changes in interpersonal relationships the hateful postings cause. To the extent that a falsely tainted reputation colors how others treat the victim, it can create a self-confirming social reality (Snyder, 1980). In this instance, the adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is wrong. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 481

Categorization

• ADDENDUM: Supports the ‘Complaints About Immodesty’ argument’s underlying mechanism — social labeling reshaping how communities treat individuals, reinforcing the moral-panic reading of reputational harms.
• XREF: Self-fulfilling prophecy / labeling theory resonance with Milgrom reputation mechanisms and social capital claims.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 481